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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Log Cabin blocks + a FQ bundle giveaway!

So I have three fun things to share today and they all have something to do with one of my favorite quilt blocks: the Log Cabin. You just can't ever go wrong with a classic quilt block, right? (Make sure you read all the way to the end of the post - there's an awesome fq bundle being given away!)

I also love this Herringbone quilt designed by Heather Andrus (Quilt Story). The blocks in this quilt are similar to ones I've been working on for 8 months or so now.

These are my blocks! Each block is 7" (finished size) and made using my fun, bright scraps and low volume scraps. I was sewing with a friend of mine one day and the project she brought to work on were these scrappy log cabin blocks. I fell in love and she generously shared her foundation pattern with me. I started making my blocks that day! You can see more of Amber's quilt here on her blog. Amber also has a tutorial for paper piecing in case you're new to it.

I love foundation piecing (a.k.a. paper piecing) these log cabin blocks because it helps them be so nice and accurate! And I didn't need to go through my messy scrap bin and press / cut each piece to an exact size before hand.

Click here to download / print the block pattern. On the block pattern you'll notice the letters "A" and "B" and some numbers. If you're doing blocks like mine, use bright fabrics on the A sections, and low volume prints on the B sections. That will give you a block that looks like the photos above.

I think what makes these scrappy log cabin blocks really shine is a fun variety of low volume prints.

And speaking of low volume prints.... Anyone needing some fun new low volume fabrics to add to their stash? The Fat Quarter Shop is generously giving away this fat quarter bundle of Modern Paper Backgrounds to one of my lucky readers!

I love this bundle of 20 fq - FULL of awesome low volume prints that are perfect for using in backgrounds. These would be perfect to use on some scrappy log cabin blocks! To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below telling me whether or not you've ever tried paper piecing before. I'm curious!

Giveaway is open until Midnight on June 9th. Winner will be announced June 10th.

Yes, I have tried paper piecing before. It was actually a six inch log cabin block. I used it to make a pot holder. I heard that log cabin blocks are difficult to make in with traditional piecing. I was curious about fpp and decided to give it a go. It was the most accurate quilt block I have ever sewn. I fell in love with it. Thank you for the chance to win these AMAZING fqs. They have me drooling.

I have a few paper piecing quilts on my "to do someday" list, but unfortunately that "someday" has not arrived yet. I love your blocks, and yes...the low volume makes them so fun. Thanks for sharing!!!

I love paper piecing and can't believe I've never thought to do a log cabin quilt that way. Thanks for the inspiration! P.S. I'm going to need those low volume fabrics for my next project - a paper pieced log cabin quilt!

Paper piecing a log cabin block had not been on my To Do list but I can see that sewing these small blocks/pieces using that method would be best for accuracy. I've only paper pieced a design that was then appliqued. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway.

Yes, I did some paper-piecing for the FW 1930's quilt-along and although I like the look it's not my favorite sewing and piecing method. Curiosly enough I'm just now paper-piecing some mine log-cabins, too, but with 17 logs and a finished 4.5" block.

I've done a fair amount of paper piecing but never fell in love with it. I think it's the paper removal I dislike. I keep thinking of doing a log cabin with paper because it would be such pleasant, mindless sewing.

I have tried paper piecing and i LOVE how the blocks turned out. My issue is I can only do a couple blocks at a time and at the slow rate I make them the quilt I want to make might take 20 years to complete. LOL Guess that means I just need to make more so I get faster at it.

I don't care for paper piecing as it makes me feel dyslexic sewing to the back side. I have made a log cabing quilt using the traditional method, however. Would love this bundle of lovely background fabrics. Thanks.joyecox@yaho.com

I have paper pieced about 20 pineapple log cabin blocks. It took a few tries to understand the technique, but then I found it enjoyable. The technique makes the blocks very accurate, which I like. I don't have much in the way of low volume prints, so these fat quarters would be a welcome addition.

I love it! It's my favorite! It kind of ruined me for regular piecing. Why mess with all the finicky pieces of regular quilting when you can paper piece it and it's perfect. I've never made a log cabin paper pieced block but it seems great. All those perfect lines.

I have paper pieced and do like the accuracy of the process. Don't like the ripping paper off process. I've seen Crazy mom quilts is also on a log cabin kick and say yours and thought it was her post. I would love the chance to win this bundle as I don't have enough low volume prints to make a quilt like this though I'd love to make one.

My first quilt was a log cabin pattern. It might have been a little rough looking and wasn't paper pieced, but I was very happy with it. The main colors were shades of red, black and ivory. I tried paper piecing once from Craftsy. I don't understand the concept of paper piecing but I would like to give it a try again.

I've made several quilts with paper piecing. I've done floral quilts designed by Eileen Sullivan. I've also got a pineapple log cabin that I need to finish. Paper piecing is a great way to do more detailed patterns in a more accurate manor.

Paper piecing is never easy for me. My brain doesn't like thinking backwards. I finished Carol Doak's 50 stars twice and it was hard. Lots of seam ripper action and 4 letter words. I do love log cabins. Just finished a great one. I will need to get this book for sure.

I have done a little paper piecing and really want to try it with this log cabin pattern. Thanks for the chance to win. I could really use these. Low volume prints are something I'm not comfortable using but love how your blocks are turning out and would really like to try it.

I have done a little paper piecing and really want to try it with this log cabin pattern. Thanks for the chance to win. I could really use these. Low volume prints are something I'm not comfortable using but love how your blocks are turning out and would really like to try it.

I've only ever tried English paper piecing but your blocks are so neat I'm tempted to try your way! Every time I've made log cabin blocks they've turned out a different size than planned and I'm never sure why! X

I have done several foundation pieced patterns and love them because they are so precise. There are some excellent FP patterns to be found on the Internet. Thank you for the giveaway.fabricstasher24@gmail.com

I'm a beginner quilter so haven't tried paper piecing yet. I keep saving pots about it though, so I guess it's inevitable that I'll give it a go at some point, maybe as a panel on a pouch or cushion. Love the low volume prints, thanks for the chance to win.annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

Hello Andy! Thank you for your great post with gorgeous pictures and the FB bundle give away! Love it!!!I paper piece all the time and create my own patterns with special software. I adore the freedom of shapes and the precision it gives. I have been working on a bug quilt from swap blocks, but it needs to get bigger. I am using many low volume fabrics in the new blocks which are all paper pieced. Hugs and good luck to everyone! May the luckiest quilter win!Estheresthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

Your quilt is lovely! I have done a little bit of paper piecing, as a part of a quilt pattern I was working on. We also own a very old log cabin quilt that was foundation-pieced on old feed sack material -- I had never seen that technique before!

Yes, I love paper piecing for the accuracy you get. I don't really like the added waste that sometimes happens, but by using templates to cut the fabric to size helps with that. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

I have tried paper piecing...and have done a few blocks/patterns that otherwise would have been a disaster..I save all my little bits, organized by color and then make log cabin blocks or other small projects...thanks...

I have tried PP without much luck but I love your block so might as well give it another shot. Don't have a lot of low volumes so hope to win to get me going. Besides June 10th is my birthday, how about that!!

I looove paper piecing ! I started with a simple square-in-square block and slowly tried more complicated blocks. I would love to add these low volume fq's to my stash ! Thanks for the opportunity !Colleen farmersfeedfamilies@gmail.com

What fun to win these great FQs! Your log cabin blocks are certainly inspiring and look like so much fun to do! I have done paper piecing in the past, but never log cabin. Thanks for the great post and idea; also for the great give-away!

I have paper pieced and love the accuracy. However, I did find it challenging because I was too stingy at times with my fabric. I think it is perfect for log cabin blocks. Thanks for sharing your foundation pattern

I have tried paper piecing ... once. It made me want to stab my seam ripper in my eyes! LOL Still, I love the results so I'm sure I'll end up giving it another go just because ... well, there are so many beautiful paper-pieced things to make! Thanks for a fantastic giveaway!

Wow! Great blocks...i love the low volume method and how you make it look cool and modern! I have paper-pieced and really love to use Carol Doaks foundation paper. It prints like a dream, is easy to work with, and peels off super easy. Not as crunchy and stiff as printer paper! :)

I've been searching for a project to "attack" my scrap bins and this is just perfect! I have made a few paper pieced blocks and like the accuracy but not the waste of fabric that sometimes comes with it. Thank you for the tutorial and the give away.

I haven't tried paper piecing yet, but keep looking at others that do and keep thinking I should give it a try. I think I just need a push to get me there. Thanks for the opportunity, what a great prize!

I've paper pieced a few small detailed items. The hardest part for me is cutting the fabrics without wasting too much while still having enough...As with everything, the more you do, the better you get!

I have done paper piecing but have such a hard time with all the mess, fabric and paper, that I chose patterns that don't require it. I love log cabins however and if I have to paper piece I will. Thanks.

The 1st quilt i was given was a log cabin from my from my Grandmother. I could not in shine how she sewed such straight lines. I would like to make one with straight lines and i know paper piecing would help me do that. I can not wait to try it. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

The 1st quilt i was given was a log cabin from my from my Grandmother. I could not in shine how she sewed such straight lines. I would like to make one with straight lines and i know paper piecing would help me do that. I can not wait to try it. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

What fun paper piecing is . Makes me look like a better quilter than I really am. Gives precision points. Would love to use these background prints for a log cabin quilt from this new book. I'm so excited. ������